Wireless vehicle-monitoring system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide a wireless appliance for monitoring a vehicle. The wireless appliance includes a microprocessor configured to select a vehicle-communication protocol of a host vehicle, and then communicate with the host vehicle through the vehicle-communication protocol. The appliance also includes a vehicle-communication circuit, in electrical communication with the microprocessor, which collects diagnostic data from the host vehicle using the vehicle-communication protocol. A GPS module, also in electrical communication with the microprocessor, generates location-based data. For transmitting these data, the appliance includes a first wireless transmitter operating on a terrestrial network and a second wireless transmitter operating on a satellite network. The microprocessor selects the first or second wireless transmitter for transmitting the diagnostic and location-based data.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to vehicletelematics. More specifically, embodiments relate to wireless,internet-based systems that collect, transmit, and analyze diagnosticand location-based data from a motor vehicle.

2. Description of Related Art

Telematics systems typically collect data from a remote vehicle andwirelessly transmit these data to a central computer system. Thecomputer system then analyzes the data to monitor the vehicle.Conventional telematics systems collect diagnostic data, measured fromthe host vehicle's engine computer, and location-based data, measuredwith a global positioning system (GPS).

Telematics systems that monitor light-duty automobiles and trucksbeginning with model year 1996 measure data from the vehicle's on-boarddiagnostic (OBD-II) system. OBD-II systems, as mandated by theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA), monitor the vehicle's electrical,mechanical, and emissions systems and generate data that are processedby an engine control unit (ECU) to detect malfunctions or deteriorationin the vehicle's performance. Communication protocols used to accessOBD-II data include J1850 PWM (Ford vehicles), J1850 VPWM (GeneralMotors), ISO 9141-2 (Toyota), KWP2000 (Hyundai, Mercedes), and CAN(proposed for next-generation vehicles). Data monitored with theseprotocols typically include parameters such as vehicle speed (VSS),engine speed (RPM), engine load (LOAD), and mass air flow (MAF). The ECUcan also generate diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), which are 5-digitcodes (e.g., ‘P0001’) indicating electrical/mechanical problems with thevehicle. Most vehicles manufactured after 1996 include a standardized,16-cavity serial connector that makes these data available. This OBD-IIconnector serially communicates with the vehicle's ECU and typicallylies underneath the vehicle's dashboard.

The primary communication protocol for collecting diagnostic data frommedium and heavy-duty trucks is called J1708/J1587 (referred to hereinas ‘J1708’). This communication protocol, which originated in 1988,typically accesses a set of data that is much larger than that availablefrom light-duty cars and trucks. Most medium and heavy-duty trucksinclude a 6-cavity connector, which connects to the truck's enginecomputer to make these data available.

A variety of wireless networks can transmit diagnostic and GPS data froma vehicle's telematics device to the central computer system.Terrestrial networks, i.e. networks with terrestrial base stations ortransmitting towers, include CDMA networks (managed by Sprint andVerizon), GSM/GPRS networks (ATT, T-Mobile), Mobitex (Cingular), DataTac(Motient), and Reflex (Arch Pagenet, Weblink Wireless). These networkstypically have good coverage within a given country's major populationcenters, but poor coverage in rural, un-populated areas. And individualterrestrial networks typically do not offer coverage in multiplecountries. Satellite networks (managed, e.g., by Orbcomm or Globalstar)typically transmit data with lower bandwidth and higher costs comparedto terrestrial networks, but offer near-worldwide coverage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a wireless appliance according to anembodiment of the present invention featuring modems that independentlyoperate on satellite and terrestrial networks.

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a wireless appliance according to anembodiment of the present invention featuring modems that independentlyoperate on satellite and terrestrial networks, a GPS, and avehicle-communication system that communicates with multiple types ofvehicle buses.

FIG. 3A is a schematic drawing of a system according to an embodiment ofthe invention that collects diagnostic and GPS data from a vehicle andtransmits these data through either a satellite or terrestrial networkto a central computer system.

FIG. 3B is a schematic drawing of a gateway software piece according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a screen capture of a web page that displays a vehicle'sdiagnostic data monitored by the wireless appliance of FIG. 1 accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are web pages displaying, respectively, screen capturesof a vehicle's numerical latitude and longitude and a map showing thevehicle's location monitored by the wireless appliance of FIG. 1according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a satellite-based wireless applianceinstalled in a host vehicle according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process used by a wireless appliance toselect a network for transmitting diagnostic and/or location-based datapackets according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of a wireless appliance according to anembodiment of the present invention featuring an interface board thatconnects a terrestrial modem to a satellite modem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description refers to the accompanying drawings thatillustrate certain embodiments of the present invention. Otherembodiments are possible and modifications may be made to theembodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not meant tolimit the present invention. Rather, the scope of the present inventionis defined by the appended claims.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a small-scale, wireless,internet-based system for monitoring and analyzing a vehicle's GPS anddiagnostic data. Specific embodiments provide a system that supports theabove-mentioned functions using a wireless appliance that features afirst modem operating on a terrestrial network, and a second modemoperating on a satellite network. The wireless appliance includes amicroprocessor that, for a given location, determines the coverage ofthe terrestrial and/or satellite networks, analyzes the coverage, andselects a modem and network for data transmission, and then transmitsthe data accordingly. This results in a cost-efficient system that canmonitor remote vehicles with essentially worldwide coverage.

The wireless appliance monitors location and diagnostic data to provideservices such as remote determination of a vehicle's mechanical and/orelectrical condition, roadside assistance to a disabled vehicle, orrecovery of a stolen vehicle. In a related implementation, the applianceprovides a GPS-based system for alerting a vehicle's owner that someoneother than the owner has moved the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle has beenstolen or towed).

More specifically, in one aspect, the invention provides a wirelessappliance for monitoring a vehicle that features a microprocessorconfigured to select a vehicle-communication protocol of a host vehicle,and then communicate with the host vehicle through thevehicle-communication protocol. The appliance includes avehicle-communication circuit, in electrical communication with themicroprocessor, that collects diagnostic data from the host vehicleusing the vehicle-communication protocol. A GPS module, also inelectrical communication with the microprocessor, generateslocation-based data. For transmitting these data, the appliance includesa first wireless transmitter operating on a terrestrial network and asecond wireless transmitter operating on a satellite network. Themicroprocessor is further configured to select the first or secondwireless transmitter for transmitting the diagnostic and location-baseddata.

In another aspect, the invention provides a wireless appliance thatincludes a microprocessor, a GPS module, and the above-described firstand second wireless transmitters. In this embodiment, the wirelesstransmitters transmit location-based data to an Internet-accessiblewebsite.

In various embodiments, the vehicle-communication circuit of thewireless appliance includes modules for managing differentvehicle-communication protocols, e.g. J1850 PWM (a protocol for Fordvehicles), J1850 VPWM (General Motors), ISO 9141-2 (Toyota and otherJapanese makes), CAN (e.g. ISO-15765; a next-generation protocol),Keyword 2000 (Hyundai, Mercedes), and J1708 (for medium and heavy-dutytrucks).

The microprocessor may run firmware that determines thevehicle-communication protocol of a host vehicle. Once this isdetermined, the microprocessor may select the appropriate module in thevehicle-communication circuit that supports the vehicle-communicationprotocol.

The wireless appliance can also include an internal battery. In thisembodiment, the appliance receives power from the vehicle's standard12-volt battery and uses the internal battery as a back-up power supplyin case this power is interrupted. In another embodiment, the applianceincludes a single chipset that includes both the GPS module and both ofthe wireless transmitters.

In another aspect of the invention, the wireless appliance features amicroprocessor that controls and processes data from both thevehicle-communication circuit and the GPS module. In this case, the GPSmodule receives GPS signals from an antenna and generates data (e.g., aGPS ‘fix’ that includes the vehicle's latitude, longitude, altitude,heading, and speed) in response. The GPS module then sends the data tothe microprocessor to calculate location-based data. In this embodiment,both the GPS and radio antennae may be housed with the wirelessappliance in a single enclosure. In other embodiments, a single chipsetor ASIC includes both the GPS module and both the wireless transmitters.

The invention has many advantages. In particular, embodiments accordingto the invention make it possible to monitor diagnostic andlocation-based data from a vehicle located virtually anywhere in theworld. These data are transmitted in real-time to an Internet-accessiblewebsite, which makes it possible to characterize the vehicle'sperformance and determine its location from virtually any location thathas Internet access.

The satellite and terrestrial modems can be integrated into a singlechipset or application-specific integrated circuit (‘ASIC’) to reduceboth the cost and size of the wireless appliance. The ASIC may alsoinclude a microcontroller (e.g., an ARM7 microcontroller), computermemory, and the GPS. In this way a small, compact housing can enclosethe wireless appliance. This makes it possible to hide the appliance ina host vehicle, thus making it unnoticeable to a thief during theft ofthe vehicle.

Diagnostic and location-based data, when analyzed together, can improveconventional services such as roadside assistance, vehicle theftnotification and recovery, and remote diagnostics. For example, the datacan indicate a vehicle's location, its fuel level and battery voltage,and whether or not it has any active DTCs. With these data a call centercan dispatch a tow truck with the appropriate materials (e.g., extragasoline or tools required to repair a specific problem) to repair thevehicle accordingly.

A wireless appliance according to embodiments of the present inventioncan also be easily transferred from one vehicle to another, or easilyreplaced if it malfunctions. No additional wiring is required to installthe appliance; it is powered through the vehicle's OBD-II or J1708connector and using a back-up battery. The appliance can also beconnected directly to a vehicle's electrical system, thus making itunnecessary to even use the above-mentioned connectors.

Embodiments of the present invention may be useful in a wide range ofvehicles. Examples of such vehicles include automobiles and trucks, aswell as commercial equipment, medium and heavy-duty trucks, constructionvehicles (e.g., front-end loaders, bulldozers, forklifts), powered sportvehicles (e.g., motorboats, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles,snowmobiles, jet skis, and other powered sport vehicles), collisionrepair vehicles, marine vehicles, and recreational vehicles. Further,embodiments may be useful in the vehicle care industry.

Although diagnostic systems operating under OBD-II and J1708communication protocols are disclosed herein for illustrative purposes,it is to be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may beemployed with other systems.

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a wireless appliance 10 according to anembodiment of the present invention. The wireless appliance 10 featuresa data-generating portion 15 that generates diagnostic andlocation-based data from a host vehicle 12, and a data-processingportion 17 that receives and processes these data. The data-processingportion 17 additionally formats the data for wireless transmissionthrough a data-transmitting portion 18 to an Internet-accessible centralcomputer system, described in more detail below. A power-managementportion 19 powers the data-generating 15, data-processing 17, anddata-transmitting 18 portions.

The data-transmitting portion 18 features a wireless terrestrial modem31 that transmits data through a first antenna 33 to a terrestrialnetwork, and a wireless satellite modem 42 that transmits data through asecond antenna 43 to a satellite network. To determine the appropriatenetwork for transmission, the data-processing portion 17 analyzes thelocation-based wireless coverage provided by the terrestrial andsatellite networks. In one implementation, the analysis may includeanalyzing radio-frequency signal strengths, indicating thelocation-based coverage of each network, as detected by the first 33 andsecond 43 antennae.

Terrestrial networks typically offer higher bandwidths and lowertransmission costs compared to satellite networks. Data is thereforesent over terrestrial networks if the data-processing portion 17determines such networks offer sufficient coverage. If the coverageprovided by the terrestrial network is insufficient, the data-processingportion 17 sends the data over the satellite network, which offersworldwide coverage.

In an embodiment, the first 33 and/or second 43 antennae may include adecal or patch antenna. For example, the wireless satellite modem 42 ofFIG. 1 may be connected to a decal antenna. The decal antenna may beinconspicuously affixed to a surface of a host vehicle, such as awindow.

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed embodiment of the wireless appliance 10 ofFIG. 1. The data-generating portion 15 features a chipset-based GPSmodule 20 that receives wireless signals from orbiting GPS satellitesthrough an integrated GPS antenna 21. To reduce cabling in the wirelessappliance 10 and costs associated with its installation, the integratedGPS antenna 21 may attach to a metal ground plane within the appliance.Once the antenna 21 receives signals from at least three satellites, theGPS module 20 processes the signals to calculate a GPS fix that featuresthe host vehicle's location and heading. The GPS module 20 calculateslocation-based data at a programmable interval, e.g. every minute.

The data-generating portion 15 communicates with the host vehiclethrough an electrical/mechanical interface 23 that connects to the hostvehicle's 16-cavity OBD-II diagnostic connector (for light-duty cars andtrucks) or 6-cavity J1708 diagnostic connector (for medium andheavy-duty trucks). The diagnostic connector, typically locatedunderneath the vehicle's steering column, provides direct access todiagnostic data stored in memory in the vehicle's ECU. Thedata-generating portion 15 features a vehicle-communication circuit 25that communicates with the host vehicle through an electrical/mechanicalinterface 23 with separate modules 25 a-25 f for different vehicle buses(e.g., those featured in Ford, GM, Toyota, Hino). Thevehicle-communication circuit 25 can be integrated into a single ASICwherein each module 25 a-25 f is a separate integrated circuit. Exampleimplementations of these modules are described in copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/431,947, filed May 8, 2003, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

The vehicle-communication circuit 25 can additionally include logic thatdetects the communication protocol of the host vehicle, and then selectsthis protocol to communicate with the vehicle. Once the protocol isselected, the electrical/mechanical interface 23 receives diagnosticdata from the vehicle and passes it through the vehicle-communicationcircuit 25 to the data-processing portion 17 for analysis.

It is to be appreciated that the specific protocols supported by thevehicle-communication circuit 25 of FIG. 2 are merely examples. In someembodiments, more, fewer, or other protocols may be supported by avehicle-communication circuit.

The data-processing portion 17 features a 16-bit ARM7 microprocessor 27that receives and processes diagnostic data from thevehicle-communication circuit 25 and location-based data from the GPSmodule 20. For example, the microprocessor 27 can process diagnosticdata describing the host vehicle's speed, mass air flow, and malfunctionindicator light to calculate, respectively, an odometer reading, fuelefficiency, and emission status.

The microprocessor 27 additionally stores firmware and pre and/orpost-processed diagnostic data in a memory module 29. The memory module29 may additionally store an operating system (e.g., Linux) that runs onthe microprocessor 27. During operation, the memory module 29 canadditionally function as a data logger where diagnostic andlocation-based data are captured at high rates (e.g., every 200milliseconds) and then read out at a later time.

With firmware the microprocessor 27 determines whether to use thesatellite modem 42 or terrestrial modem 31 to transmit the data. Themicroprocessor 27 determines this by analyzing the coverage of theassociated terrestrial or satellite networks. The microprocessor 27 thenformats the diagnostic and location-based data into separate packets andserially transfers these packets through a modem adaptor 35, which inturn routes the packets to the appropriate wireless modem. The modemadaptor 35 provides power, mechanical support, and a serial interface toboth the wireless terrestrial modem 31 and satellite modem 42 through amulti-pin mechanical connector 37. Each formatted packet includes, e.g.,a header that describes its destination and the wireless modem'snumerical identity (e.g., a phone or serial number) and a payload thatincludes the data. Once transmitted, the packets propagate through thenetwork, which delivers them to an Internet-accessible website, forexample, as described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3A.

The power-management portion 19 of the wireless appliance 10 features apower supply and power-conditioning electronics 39 that receive 12 voltsDC power from the electrical/mechanical interface 23 and, in turn,supply regulated DC power to circuit elements in the data-generating 15and data-processing 17 portions. Typically the 12 volts is from thevehicle's battery and is switched to a lower voltage, e.g., 3.3-5 volts,to power the circuit elements. The mechanical interface 23, in turn,attaches to the host vehicle's diagnostic connector, which receivespower directly from the vehicle's battery. An internal battery 41connects to the power supply and power-conditioning electronics 39 andsupplies power in case the wireless appliance is disconnected from thevehicle's power-supplying diagnostic connector. Additionally, the powersupply and power-conditioning electronics 39 can continually rechargethe internal battery 41 so that it can supply back-up power even afterextended use.

FIG. 3A shows a schematic drawing of an Internet-based system 52 thatuses the above-described wireless appliance 10, or related embodimentsthereof, to monitor both diagnostic and location-based data from a hostvehicle 12. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the wirelessappliance 10 connects to a host vehicle's OBD-II diagnostic connector 51and collects diagnostic data by querying the vehicle's ECU 55 through acable 56. In response to a query, the ECU 55 retrieves data stored inits memory and sends it along the same cable 56 back to the wirelessappliance 10. The GPS module in the wireless appliance 10 measures thevehicle's location-based data using an antenna 21 that is typicallyintegrated into the wireless appliance or hidden within the vehicle(e.g., under the vehicle's dashboard). To calculate the vehicle'slocation, the antenna 21 collects signals 62 from an overlyingconstellation of GPS satellites 60 and sends these signals 62 to the GPSmodule for processing.

During operation, the wireless appliance 10 formats the diagnostic andGPS data in separate data packets. Using a first antenna 33, thewireless appliance determines the coverage provided by a terrestrialnetwork 54 featuring a terrestrial base station 61. If this coverage issufficient the wireless appliance 10 transmits the formatted packetsthrough the terrestrial network 54. Alternatively, if the coverageprovided by the terrestrial network 54 is not sufficient, the wirelessappliance 10 transmits the formatted packets through a satellite network75 featuring at least one data-transmitting satellite 74.

Once received by either the terrestrial 54 or satellite 75 networks, thedata packets propagate to a gateway software piece 55 running on acentral computer system 57. Using the gateway software piece 55, thecentral computer system 57 processes and stores data from the datapackets in a database 63. The central computer system 57 additionallymay host a website 66 that, once accessed, displays the data. A user(e.g. an individual working for a call center) accesses the website 66with a secondary computer system 69 through the Internet 67. The centralcomputer system 57 may also include a data-processing component 68 thatprocesses data in the database 63 to further characterize the vehicle12.

FIG. 3B is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the gateway softwarepiece 55 of FIG. 3A. The gateway software piece 55 includes a firstsoftware adapter 58 and a second software adapter 59. The first softwareadapter 58 receives and processes incoming data packets from apoint-of-presence (POP) of the terrestrial network 54, and reformats theprocessed data in a predetermined format. The format is compatible withthat of the database 63 or another such database used by the centralcomputer system 57. In an embodiment, the reformatted data is stored inthe database 63 or other memory locations.

The second software adapter 59 receives and processes incoming datapackets from a POP of the satellite network 75, and reformats theprocessed data in the same format used by the first software adapter 58for incoming data packets. The reformatted data may be stored in thedatabase 63.

The first software adapter 58 may also format outgoing data packets fromthe central computer system 57 in a format associated with theterrestrial network 54. Similarly, the second software adapter 59 mayformat outgoing data packets in a format associated with the satellitenetwork 75. In an embodiment, the gateway software piece 55 may selectthe terrestrial network 54 or satellite network 75 for data transmissionapplying similar processes as those applied in the wireless appliance10.

FIG. 4 shows a sample web page 130 included in the website of FIG. 3A,for example, that displays diagnostic data collected from the ECU of aparticular vehicle as described above. The web page 130 includes a setof diagnostic data 131 and features fields listing, for example, anacronym 132, value and units 134, and brief description 136 for eachdatum. During typical operation, the wireless appliance automaticallytransmits sets of diagnostic data 131 like the one shown in FIG. 3A atperiodic intervals, e.g. every 20 to 40 minutes. The wireless appliancecan also transmit similar data sets at random time intervals or inresponse to a query from the host computer system (sometimes called aping).

FIGS. 5A and 5B show sample web pages 150, 152 included in the websiteof FIG. 3A, for example, that display, respectively, GPS data 154 and amap 158 that together indicate a vehicle's location 156. In this case,the GPS data 154 include the vehicle's latitude, longitude, and areverse geocode of these data indicating a corresponding street address,the nearest cross street, and a status of the vehicle's ignition (i.e.,‘on’ or ‘off’ and whether or not the vehicle is parked or moving). Themap 158 displays these coordinates in a graphical form relative to anarea of, in this case, a few square miles. In typical embodiments, theweb pages 150, 152 are rendered each time the GPS data are periodicallytransmitted from a vehicle (e.g., every 1-2 minutes) and received by thedata-processing component of the website. Both the map and a databasethat translates the latitude and longitude into a reverse geocode areaccessible though an Internet-based protocol, e.g. XML, Web Services, orTCP/IP. Companies such as MapTuit, MapQuest, and NavTech supportsoftware that provides such maps and databases. Alternatively, softwarefor mapping or geocoding the GPS data may be hosted on a user's personalcomputer.

FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a satellite-based wireless appliance204 installed in a host vehicle 206 according to another embodiment ofthe present invention. The wireless appliance 204 may include some orall the features of the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 above, andadditionally uses a patch antenna 200 adhered to the vehicle'swindshield 201. Alternatively, the patch antenna 200 is embedded in theglass of the windshield 201. The antenna 200 transmits and receives dataover the satellite network, which typically operates at about 150 MHz.An electrical lead 202 connects the patch antenna 200 to the wirelessappliance 204. In this configuration, the antenna 200 is concealedwithin the vehicle, making the wireless appliance 204 an effective toolfor recovering a stolen vehicle.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process 219 used by the wireless appliance ofFIGS. 1 and 2 for selecting a network by which to transmit diagnosticand/or location-based data packets according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In task 220, the radio modem determines a signalstrength, or ‘RSSI’ value, for transmitting data over the terrestrialnetwork. The radio modem may determine the RSSI value by detecting asignal through its antenna and analyzing the signal with an internalelectronics system. The process determines if the RSSI is less than −100dB (task 222).

If the RSSI value is less than this value, indicating a weak signal thatis inadequate for transmitting data, the process transmits the datapacket through the satellite network using the satellite modem (task230). In this case, the satellite network receives the data packet (task231) and sends it to a data center. The data center routes the packet toa gateway software piece located at an IP address included in thepacket's header. The gateway software piece includes a section ofcomputer code, called an adaptor, which processes the packet from thesatellite network (task 232). Processing typically involves parsing thepacket to remove data from its payload and the host vehicle'sidentification from its header. Using this information, the process theninserts the data in the appropriate location in a database (task 234)for further processing.

Alternatively, an RSSI value greater than −100 dB indicates that theterrestrial network is adequate to transmit the packet. In this case,the process transmits the packet through the terrestrial network usingthe radio modem (task 224). The terrestrial network receives the packet(task 226) and, similar to before, routes it to the gateway softwarepiece described above where it is processed with a second adaptor (task228). The adaptor parses the payload and vehicle identification from thepacket and inserts the data in the database (task 234) for furtherprocessing.

FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of a wireless appliance 90 according toanother embodiment of the present invention. The wireless appliance 90features an interface board 80 that connects through a first cable 84 toa wireless terrestrial modem 31, and through a second cable 85 to awireless satellite modem 42. The interface board 80 is typically astand-alone unit that enables the wireless appliance 90 to use thesatellite modem 42 as a fail-over transmission system as describedabove. Both the terrestrial modem 31 and satellite modem 42 typicallyconnect to other electrical modules, such as those shown in FIG. 2 butnot indicated in FIG. 8, in order to wirelessly transmit diagnostic andlocation-based data from a host vehicle.

The interface board 80 allows the satellite modem 42 to be easilyconnected and disconnected from the terrestrial modem 31 and itsassociated electronics. For example, the satellite modem 42 may bedisconnected from the wireless appliance 90 during a manufacturingprocess if the appliance is fabricated for a customer based in a regionthat features adequate terrestrial wireless coverage. Alternatively, thesatellite modem may be connected to the appliance during manufacturingif the customer is in a remote area that does not feature adequateterrestrial wireless coverage, and thus requires satellite coverage.

The interface board 80 features a serial communication module 81 thatmanages communication between the terrestrial modem 31 and the satellitemodem 42. During operation, for example, the serial communication module81 collects data sent from the wireless terrestrial modem 31 through thefirst cable 84 via a serial communication protocol (e.g., RS232). Ifnecessary, the serial communication module 81 converts the serialcommunication protocol to one that is accepted by the satellite modem 42(e.g., TTL), and then sends the data through the second cable 85 to thesatellite modem 42. The data are then transmitted as described above. Ifno conversion is necessary, the serial communication module 81 relaysthe data from the terrestrial modem 31 to the satellite modem 42.

The interface board 80 additionally may include a power managementmodule 82 that receives power from the power supply (39 in FIG. 2)associated with terrestrial modem 31 and converts it into power requiredfor the satellite modem 42. For example, the satellite modem typicallyrequires conditioned 12 volts, and can draw as much as 3 amps during atransmission. During operation, the power management module 82 convertsinput power into this load in order to operate the satellite modem.

Other embodiments are also within the scope of the invention. Inparticular, a variety of algorithms can be used to determine if datashould be transmitted over the terrestrial or satellite networks. Forexample, the wireless appliance may include a pre-programmed table inits memory module that correlates the vehicle's location (e.g., latitudeand longitude) with the coverage of the satellite and terrestrialnetworks. In this case, the microprocessor analyzes the GPS data, refersto the pre-programmed table to determine the appropriate network fortransmission, and then transmits the data. In other embodiments, themicroprocessor simultaneously transmits data over both networks.

The satellite modem can be attached to the wireless appliance using avariety of configurations. For example, the satellite modem can beincluded within a housing that contains the wireless appliance.Alternatively, the satellite modem can be external to the appliance andattached using a serial cable. In other embodiments, the wirelessappliance can include an auxiliary port into which the satellite modemplugs.

In other embodiments, the respective software adaptor for the satelliteor terrestrial networks may receive packets through Internet-basedprotocols (e.g., TCP/IP), or through a private network (e.g., aframe-relay circuit). Alternatively, the software adaptor may receivethe packets through conventional e-mail.

In still other embodiments, the satellite modem and/or terrestrial modemmay be fabricated directly on a motherboard included in the wirelessappliance. In this case, a reference design describing the modem isincorporated into the overall design of the motherboard.

A variety of logic diagrams and corresponding circuits can be used toimplement protocols such as J1850 PWM/VPWM, ISO 9141-2, CAN, KWP2000,and J1708. These protocols can be implemented using integratedsilicon-based solutions (e.g., a custom ASIC), or using transistors orconventional circuit elements. Similarly, hardware architectures otherthan those described above can be used for a wireless appliance. Forexample, the ARM7 microprocessor used to run the appliance's firmwaremay be contained within the GPS module or a wireless modem. Or adifferent microprocessor, such as an Intel-based X86 or Pentiumprocessor, may be used. And the antennae for both the satellite andterrestrial modems and the GPS module can be implemented using differentconfigurations. In one embodiment, for example, all antennae may beimplemented as discrete circuits directly onto a circuit board.Similarly, active antennae, which are conventionally used for GPS, mayalso be used for the radio antenna connected to a wireless modem. Inanother embodiment, the internal battery may include a solar cell.

In another embodiment, the wireless appliance includes devices thattransmit data over local wireless networks, such as 802.11b orBluetooth-based networks. For example, the wireless appliance maycommunicate using Bluetooth with a driver's cellular telephone. In thiscase, the wireless appliance may include hardware and software so thatthe wireless appliance functions as a hands-free kit that allows thedriver to talk on the cellular telephone without actually holding thetelephone.

In yet another embodiment, a wiring harness may be used to attach thewireless appliance to the host vehicle's diagnostic connector. Thisallows the wireless appliance to be hidden in the vehicle, therebymaking the device effective for recovery of stolen vehicles.

The packets described above may be transmitted at pre-set time intervals(e.g., every 20 minutes for diagnostic data; every minute for GPS data).Alternatively or additionally, the transmission may be performed whenauthorized by a user of the system (e.g., using a button on thewebsite). In still other embodiments, the transmission is performed whena data parameter (e.g., engine coolant temperature or a vehicle'slocation) exceeds or roams outside of a predetermined value. Or a thirdparty, such as a call center, may prompt transmission and/or analysis ofdata.

In other embodiments, the modem used to transmit GPS data may employ aterrestrial GPS system, such as a network-assisted GPS available onchipsets designed by Qualcomm, Inc. In this case GPS data is determinedby processing data from both satellites and terrestrial base stations.In other embodiments, the GPS system may process signals generated byanalog or digital television transmitters to determine the vehicle'slocation. In addition, the wireless appliance may be interfaced to othersensors deployed in the vehicle to monitor additional data. For example,sensors for measuring tire pressure and temperature may be deployed inthe vehicle and interfaced to the appliance so that data relating thetires' performance can be transmitted to the host computer system. Thesedata can then be further analyzed along with the diagnostic and GPSdata. Accelerometers can also be used as sensors to detect collisions.In other embodiments, the appliance may include I/O hardware to processanalog or digital signals from a heavy-duty vehicle. For example, theappliance can process an analog signal from a “bucket truck” todetermine the time period that the hydraulic bucket is raised. This timeperiod can then be sent wirelessly to the central computer system asdescribed above.

In still other embodiments, other location-based applications can becombined with the above-mentioned mapping capabilities to providereal-time internet-based services involving maps. For example, dataindicating traffic can be combined with mapping software to generateinternet-based, real-time traffic maps that graphically indicate trafficpatterns. In this case data such as vehicle speed can be generated andtransmitted by the in-vehicle wireless appliance described above. Thesedata can also be used, for example, to generate an optimum travel routethat minimizes traffic delays. Similarly, algorithms used to calculatevehicle emissions can be combined with the mapping software to generatereal-time emissions maps that graphically indicate pollutants such asoxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, or hydrocarbon emissions.Additionally, algorithms for routing vehicles to a target destinationmay be used with the mapping software.

The foregoing description of the various embodiments of the presentinvention is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to makeand use the present invention and its embodiments. Various modificationsto these embodiments are possible, and the generic principles presentedherein may be applied to other embodiments as well.

For instance, in still other embodiments, the above-described system isused to locate vehicles or things other than cars and trucks, such asindustrial equipment or shipping containers.

Further, some embodiments of the present invention may be implemented inpart or in whole as a hard-wired circuit, as a circuit configurationfabricated into an application-specific integrated circuit, or as afirmware program loaded into non-volatile storage, or a software programloaded from or into a data storage medium as machine-readable code. Suchmachine-readable code may include instructions executable by an array oflogic elements, such as a microprocessor or other digitalsignal-processing unit.

It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some of theembodiments as described hereinabove may be implemented in manydifferent embodiments of software, firmware, and hardware in theentities illustrated in the figures. The actual software code orspecialized control hardware used to implement some of the presentembodiments is not limiting of the present invention. Thus, theoperation and behavior of the embodiments are described without specificreference to the actual software code or specialized hardwarecomponents. The absence of such specific references is feasible becauseit is clearly understood that artisans of ordinary skill would be ableto design software and control hardware to implement the embodiments ofthe present invention based on the description herein with only areasonable effort and without undue experimentation.

Moreover, the processes associated with some of the present embodimentsmay be executed by programmable equipment, such as computers. Softwarethat may cause programmable equipment to execute the processes may bestored in any storage device, such as, for example, a computer system(non-volatile) memory, an optical disk, magnetic tape, or magnetic disk.Furthermore, some of the processes may be programmed when the computersystem is manufactured or via a computer-readable medium at a laterdate. Such a medium may include any of the forms listed above withrespect to storage devices and may further include, for example, acarrier wave modulated, or otherwise manipulated, to convey instructionsthat can be read, demodulated/decoded and executed by a computer.

It can be appreciated, for example, that some process aspects describedherein may be performed, in certain embodiments, using instructionsstored on a computer-readable medium or media that direct a computersystem to perform the process aspects. A computer-readable medium caninclude, for example, memory devices such as diskettes, compact discs ofboth read-only and writeable varieties, optical disk drives, and harddisk drives. A computer-readable medium can also include memory storagethat can be physical, virtual, permanent, temporary, semi-permanentand/or semi-temporary. A computer-readable medium can further includeone or more data signals transmitted on one or more carrier waves.

A “computer” or “computer system” may be, for example, a wireless orwireline variety of a microcomputer, minicomputer, laptop, personal dataassistant (PDA), wireless e-mail device (e.g., BlackBerry), cellularphone, pager, processor, or any other programmable device, which devicesmay be capable of configuration for transmitting and receiving data overa network. Computer devices disclosed herein can include memory forstoring certain software applications used in obtaining, processing andcommunicating data. It can be appreciated that such memory can beinternal or external. The memory can also include any means for storingsoftware, including a hard disk, an optical disk, floppy disk, ROM (readonly memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM),EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), and other computer-readable media.

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the presentinvention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevantfor a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating,for purposes of clarity, other elements. Those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that these and other elements may be desirable.However, because such elements are well known in the art, and becausethey do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention,a discussion of such elements is not provided herein.

In some embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, a singlecomponent can be replaced by multiple components, and multiplecomponents replaced by a single component, to perform a given functionor functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative topractice embodiments of the present invention, such substitution iswithin the scope of the present invention.

1-73. (canceled)
 74. An apparatus, comprising: (a) a microprocessorconfigured to select a vehicle-communication protocol of a host vehicleand communicate with the host vehicle through the vehicle-communicationprotocol; and (b) a vehicle-communication circuit, in electricalcommunication with the microprocessor, configured to collect diagnosticdata from the host vehicle using the vehicle-communication protocol,wherein the vehicle communication circuit is configured to supportmultiple different vehicle communication protocols.
 75. The wirelessappliance of claim 74, further comprising: a GPS module, in electricalcommunication with the microprocessor, configured to generatelocation-based data.
 76. The apparatus of claim 74 configured to bepowered by the host vehicle, and further comprising a back-up battery.77. An apparatus, comprising: (a) a microprocessor configured to selecta vehicle-communication protocol of a host vehicle and communicate withthe host vehicle through the vehicle-communication protocol; (b) avehicle-communication circuit, in electrical communication with themicroprocessor, configured to collect diagnostic data from the hostvehicle using the vehicle-communication protocol, wherein the vehiclecommunication circuit is configured to support multiple differentvehicle communication protocols; an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC) that comprises the microprocessor.
 78. The wirelessappliance of claim 77, wherein the ASIC further comprises a GPS module,in electrical communication with the microprocessor, configured togenerate location-based data.